PMDC Makes Fire Safety Training Mandatory for House Officers

Islamabad: (Health Reporter0 – Following the tragic incident at PIMS Hospital, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has decided to introduce mandatory fire safety training for house officers at medical and dental colleges across the country.

The training will become a compulsory component of house jobs and will focus on practical skills needed during fire emergencies. House officers will receive instruction on emergency procedures, safe evacuation of patients, identifying potential fire hazards and correctly operating firefighting equipment.

The PMDC has also instructed medical colleges and teaching hospitals to hold fire safety and evacuation drills on a regular basis. The exercises are intended to ensure that doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers can respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.

In addition, the council plans to conduct a detailed assessment of existing fire safety arrangements and protocols at medical and dental institutions.

According to the PMDC, the initiative is aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and protecting doctors, patients, students and hospital staff from fire-related risks.

The council said the emphasis would be on developing practical response capabilities so healthcare workers can take immediate and appropriate action in the event of a fire.

PMDC is also considering extending the training initiative to medical and postgraduate students in the future, potentially making fire preparedness a broader part of medical education.